Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Aspherical Large Aperture Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras Best Quality

I had researched this lens for almost 4 months before actually deciding to purchase. Like a lot of people that just bought their 7D with the kit lens, I was secretly wishing I had the funds to purchase the Canon 24-70 f2.8L. Unfortunately that lens is a sizable investment when building your kit on a budget.

Thats when the Sigma came in. Sigma has a few lenses in this focal length, all with the same speed (f2.8). One at about a $350 price point, one with an $800 price point, and this one at about $550. The lower price point could be compared to the low end Canon lenses. Fairly quality glass for the price you pay, but very under built (plastic). The higher end lens can be compared to almost the L. Very well built, internal zoom, and HSM for quiet and fast zoom. This lens could be compared to a mid level Canon EF lens. Very well built, just lacking the bells and whistles of the high-end version.

I had a chance to test this lens out on Manhattan Beach in California, and the first thing I noticed was how sharp the lens is between f4-5.6. The focus at f2.8 is clean as well, but does have some soft edges shooting closer to the 70mm range. Still very much a quality image coming out of a lens at less then half the price of the L.

The Sigma 24-70 EX DG Macro has an interesting way of getting into Manual focus. There are two switches, one near the base of the lens and the is the focus ring itself that you pull back to engage. Not too big of en issue when shooting video really since you have no need to engage the auto-focus in video mode, but can take some getting used to when switching back forth from video to still.

This also is big. Not quite as big as the L, but very close. It also has matte-like finish that really looks slick. I love the shape of this lens as well. Really looks kickass on the 7D body. Be prepared to drop a little extra cash on the filters however as the thread is 82mm. The upside though is all the filters you buy for this lens, you could actually use a step-down ring and not have any worries of vignetting as far as I know.

PROS: Very solid build, fast focus, fast speed (constant f2.8)
CONS: No IS (but neither does the current L), slightly soft edges at 2.8/70mm, Large filters needed

If you don't have enough cash to drop on the L series lens, but still want a quality lens, absolutely go for this lens. Very happy with this purchase.Get more detail about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Aspherical Large Aperture Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras.